Super Mario Bros. Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer
Joe & Mac
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1992 (originally 1991) |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | Elite Systems |
| Publisher | Elite |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 5 |
Joe & Mac is a platformer released in 1992 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by Elite Systems and published by Elite. Depending on the region, you may also know it as Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1991.
It landed about 7 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1992 include Mega Man 4, Mega Man 5 and Yoshi's Cookie.
Joe & Mac supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you have a friend to play against
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
What playing Joe & Mac is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
Joe & Mac walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Joe & Mac.
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Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Joe & Mac FAQ
When did Joe & Mac come out on the NES?
Joe & Mac was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992; the original game dates back to 1991.
Who made Joe & Mac?
It was developed by Elite Systems and published by Elite.
Is Joe & Mac multiplayer?
Yes. Joe & Mac supports up to 2 players.
How long does Joe & Mac take to play?
As a platformer, Joe & Mac typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Joe & Mac on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.